Question for Smartcarry/Thunderwear users

[zamboni]

Do you carry with a round in the chamber? I got a Thunderwear holster at the gun show last weekend for when I need really deep concealment, and don't know if I trust the soft cloth material enough to guard the trigger effectively. Because of where the muzzle is pointed, I think I have already made my decision, but I would like to hear input from anyone who uses one of these.
thanks.

[Thunder71]

I own, and wear daily, a Smartcarry. I can't speak for Thunderwear, but I do keep a round chambered and my gun is not pointed at any part of my anatomy at any time.

That said, it did make me very uneasy for a while... so I did wear it unchambered for a brief period of time during which I did everything possible to make the trigger pull. Short of grabbing both ends of the trigger through the fabric I couldn't get it even close to firing. (Empty chamber/empty magazine)

I'd rather carry my 642 revolver in it, but the cylinder hangs up on the hem on top (I think that's what it's called).

[kayl]

I have a Smartcarry (now if I could only find where my 2.5 year old hid it!) and carry with one in the chamber with confidence. When I bought it, I tried to pull the trigger (with an unloaded gun) through the fabric and I couldn't get a Glock, Sig, Taurus 740slim, or S&W 442 to fire.

[zamboni]

Thanks guys. The thunderwear is about exactly the same as the smartcarry. I just tried to pull the trigger through it like you guys did, and couldn't get the trigger to really move at all. Its already more of a process to pull the gun out than an IWB holster. I would hate to have to rack the slide as well, if I ever need it. (My cm9 slingshots perfectly btw). After a while I may change my mind and chamber a round, but thats tough because mine does aim right at my junk. :eek:

[JFootin]

Thanks guys. The thunderwear is about exactly the same as the smartcarry. I just tried to pull the trigger through it like you guys did, and couldn't get the trigger to really move at all. Its already more of a process to pull the gun out than an IWB holster. I would hate to have to rack the slide as well, if I ever need it. (My cm9 slingshots perfectly btw). After a while I may change my mind and chamber a round, but thats tough because mine does aim right at my junk. :eek:

Need to get over that, zamboni. Take your unloaded gun and hold it with barrel pointed down, holding the entire weight of the gun with your trigger finger on the trigger, using the other hand to balance the gun. Shake it. Rattle it. See how impossible it is to get that trigger to go all the way back and release the firing pin. It will give you more confidence. Plus, you are NOT going to draw the gun with your finger on the trigger, right?

When I wear my SmartCarry, I hold my pants up with suspenders and don't use a belt. Even with a business suit, you can use suspenders. With no belt and pants that are comfortably loose fitting, I find it quite easy to reach down there and draw my gun.

[Bill K]

Yes, yes , yes round in the chamber! I'd even recommend a gun other then Kahr if you feel insecure about no thumb safety and a round in the chamber - it is in my opinion that one in the pipe is that important.

If it were not for the SmartCarry I probably would not have carried at work. If I did not carry at work I would not have had my gun when I needed it most. I also had a pocket holster that I would switch to when out of the office. I've only used the SC a few times since my retirement.

[K.C.]

Another Yes. I bought one a few years back for concealing at work (physical job not a desk job) and can say it did the job every day for three years.

[Thunder71]

Thanks guys. The thunderwear is about exactly the same as the smartcarry. I just tried to pull the trigger through it like you guys did, and couldn't get the trigger to really move at all. Its already more of a process to pull the gun out than an IWB holster. I would hate to have to rack the slide as well, if I ever need it. (My cm9 slingshots perfectly btw). After a while I may change my mind and chamber a round, but thats tough because mine does aim right at my junk. :eek:

Sounds to me like you're wearing it too high, common mistake.

Check out this vid:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RfW0bBgnSFw

[JFootin]

Very good video, Thunder! Says everything that needs to be said.

[Thunder71]

Classic quote from that video:
"When I pull my pants down, everything will be fine."

[zamboni]

Great video...thanks! I was wearing it too high.

[WMD]

Great video! I agree with Jfootin and Thunder... Definitely carry one in the pipe. The time it takes you to rack the slide (assuming you have a free hand to do so) could be the difference between (your) life and death. :eek: :)

[Thunder71]

Great video...thanks! I was wearing it too high.

Glad it helped! :thumbup: